nw georgia living magazine

Holiday IssueStatement Décor — Magnificent Natural Wreaths Great Gift Ideas from NWGL’s Gift Guide

Inspiring, Informing, Enriching

Complimentary HOLIDAY 2013 Volume 4, Issue 6

N W G E O R G I A

5Winner of

MAGS GAMMA AWARDS

Smart Holiday Shopping TipsNew Twists on

Holiday Favorites

Precision cut diamonds mounted in a state of constant motion.

DIAMOND COLLECTION

This Holiday Season give her a gift that

SPARKLES

402 E Church Street, Suite 108 * Cartersville, GA 30121Phone: 770.382.0076 • Fax: 770.382.0059 • www.stilesjewelers.com

For dialysis, there’s no place like home.Discover the benefits of home dialysis today.

To learn more about Kidney Disease and treatment options, call 1-855-317-HOME (4663) or visit DaVita.com/Home.

© 2012 DaVita Inc.

Davita Home Dialysis Programs In Your AreaDaVita Rome

15 John Maddox DriveRome, GA 30165

706-291-2656

DaVita Cartersville 203 S. Tennessee StreetCartersville, GA 30120

678-721-9090

IS HoMe DIAlySIS RIGHT foR you?Answer these important questions:

1. I want control of my time and schedule. Yes No2. I’d like to enjoy more daytime activities. Yes No

If you answered “Yes” to ANY of these questions, home dialysis might be right for you.

3. I travel a lot, often on short notice. Yes No4. I would like to have a more liberal dialysis diet. Yes No

Precision cut diamonds mounted in a state of constant motion.

DIAMOND COLLECTION

This Holiday Season give her a gift that

SPARKLES

402 E Church Street, Suite 108 * Cartersville, GA 30121Phone: 770.382.0076 • Fax: 770.382.0059 • www.stilesjewelers.com

Smart December Shopping 6

Magnificent Natural Wreaths 10

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 14

Boost Your Holiday Spirit! 18

Twelve Fun-Filled Days of Christmas 24

Holiday Gift Guide 32

New Twists on Holiday Favorites 36

FEATURES

Editor’s Note 4

Calendar for Living 8

Dog Eared 16

You Don’t Say? 22

Social Savvy 28

Roberts World 42

Ad Directory 44

DEPARTMENTS

CONTENTSCover photography by Patricia Montgomery.

Pomegranate wreath designed by Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts & Decor.

N W G E O R G I A

24

2236

18

14

10

2 www.nwgeorgialiving.com

Heritage Honda

965 Veterans Memorial Hwy.Rome, GA 30161706-622-6095www.heritageromehonda.com

Heritage Nissan

1500 Veterans Memorial Hwy.Rome, GA 30161706-291-1981www.romenissan.com

Heritage BPG

965 Veterans Memorial Hwy.Rome, GA 30161706-291-2277www.gmcrome.com

Experience the Heritage Way. Family Owned, Friendly Buying Experience.

I can’t tell you how many Christmases I have spent listening to Elvis’ rendi-tion of “Blue Christmas.” It was my late husband Richard’s and my favorite Christmas cd, and since he passed 11 years ago, I’ve had some very blue Christmases. This holiday season will be merry and bright because things are

looking up! It’s been a year of unexpected surprises and naturally they’re not all good, as life is full of ups and downs. In my family we seem to have so much drama going on that we call our soap opera, “As the Worm Turns!” I’d love to write some of the latest juicy news, but most of my family not only reads the magazine, but many work with me, and it’s hard to find free labor!

One of the biggest and best surprises really made my mama proud, and I was in a daze for several days. “My Baby,” NW Georgia Living, won several awards at the Magazine Association of the Southeast’s 2013 Gamma Awards. Many months earlier, I saved my fortune cookie message, holding it under a refrigerator magnet. The magnet is a quote by Winston Churchill and it simply states “Never, never, never give up.” My fortune cookie message says “A great honor will be bestowed

on you in the coming year.” It was front and center on the fridge as a daily reminder; it was my absolute goal to win an award somehow, someway! My magazine designer from Kennesaw, Andi Counts, knew that the competition was fierce, but we were up for the challenge because we knew we were good!

There is so much creative, hard work from my designers, photographers, writers, editors and when it all comes together miraculously, we have one great issue after another! I am so pleased that NW Georgia Living won in several areas, showing some of our best strengths. We entered six categories and NW Georgia Living won five of the MAGS Gamma Awards. And the award goes to . . . (Drum roll)Best Essay: Robert Smyth’s column, Robert’s World, Winter Issue 2013, “Do these pants come with an elastic waist band?” — Gold Winner

Best Single Issue: NW Georgia Living, Fall, 2012 — Silver Winner

Overall Excellence: NW Georgia Living, Fall, 2012, Spring and Celebration, 2013 — Bronze Winner

Best Feature: Dr. Laurie Johnson’s article, Summer,2012, “Parenting with Love and Logic” — Bronze Winner

Best Essay: Social Savvy, Holiday, 2012 — Honorable Mention

There is one person that also needs to be recognized. Without the devotion, inspiration, and guidance of my senior editor, Kat Carter, NW Georgia Living would not have evolved and grown in such popularity. She not only

edits, writes, take photos, tests recipes — she can slice, dice and make julienne fries! She can do it all. Well done Kat!

When I unpack my Christmas cds this year you better believe I’ll listen to Elvis, but I won’t be alone or blue. Yes, my faithful dog Bam will be near my side and another surprise…there is a special man in my life. Stay tuned for another episode of “As the Worm Turns!”

Publisher and Founder Editor-In-Chief

Laura Wood

Creative DirectorAndi Counts

DesignersAndi Counts

Cameron Shiflett

PhotographyPatricia Montgomery

Louis Tonsmeire

Senior EditorKat Carter

[email protected]

Editor, Calendar for LivingGene Murphy

[email protected]

Junior Editor, Calendar for LivingAnna Pierce

Sales StaffJoe Hollingshed

Liz MasingillLaura Wood

DistributionWinston Wood

Contributing WritersJennifer Almand

Aletia DupreeKelly CharlesJ. D. Erickson

Susan HackneyDr. Laurie Johnson

Ciara N. MealerKathryn H. Smith

Robert Smyth

BillingLaura Wood706-346-9858

Contact us at:(706) 346-9858

[email protected] Georgia Living

P.O. Box 1065Rome, Georgia 30l62

NW Georgia Living is published bi-monthly by L. Wood LLC

© 2013. No portion of this issue may be copied, scanned, or reproduced in any manner without

prior written consent from the publisher.

Letter From the Editor

Holiday 2013 Volume 4 Issue 6

L. Wood’s make up by Vanna Kitchens, estheti-cian/professional make up artist at Stella Blu Cosmetic Boutique. Hair styled by Andrea Wiseman, Master Cosmetologist at Style tHairapy. Photo by Patricia Montgomery.

"All I want for Christmas is you!" Nothing sounds sweeter than Christmas music on one of my vintage radios.


Eat Fruit and Be Merry.

Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride Bouquet.TM Fruit bouquet featuring reindeer-shaped pineapple dipped in chocolate, arranged in a ceramic sleigh keepsake.

$75 | $85* | $95Catalog # 2935

*Size shown.

315 Riverside Pkwy, Rome GA 30l61706-235-0711

EdibleArrangements.com

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS ®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. ©2013 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

*Size shown.

SmartDecember

Shopping

Money Matters

The retail industry looks forward to the holiday season with great anticipation each year. Why? Because

consumers spend enough money to represent up to 40% of annual retail sales during the holiday season alone. With so much hinging on this short window of opportunity, the competition for your dollar is fierce. Companies want to lay claim to your holiday budget, and they have expert marketing teams at their disposal to get into your head and wallet as early and for as much as possible.

Be assured, consumers are not victims. We will spend our money, but we will do so wisely. And the retail industry will survive another year. The lucky recipients of our hard-earned dollars will be those companies who offer the best deal, not necessarily the ones with the best marketing depart-ment. We will not fall prey to gimmicks.

To that end, a pre-game pep talk may be in order. You know — just to review the strategy. How exactly does one avoid a January gasp of horror upon tallying the totals?

Is earlier better? To the person who gets all their holiday shopping done early, kudos for orga-nization. However, statistically early shoppers spend considerably more over the course of the holiday season than last-minute scramblers. While there

is something to be said for avoiding the late season crowds, it would seem that the majority of early shoppers still continue to shop even after the list is all checked off. I’m not condoning last-minute anything (although I seem to be really good at it), but if you plan to do the early thing be sure you have the discipline to stay home afterward.

Gift cards for the win. Gift cards are no longer considered a lazy gift. In fact, the vast majority of people would rather receive a gift card than an actual gift. And what could be easier on you? Simply set a budget, buy the cards, and your holiday shopping is done. Not to mention that often around holidays there are extra bonuses and incentives with gift card purchase. For example, there is often a buy-one-get-one-of-smaller-value deal on restaurant gift cards. Kroger also usually offers up to quadruple rewards points for gift card purchases, which come in handy when filling the gas tank. Unless you specifi-cally love crowded malls and traffic jams, gift cards really are a win.

Budget, of course. There’s a reason why almost any finan-cial advice you encounter contains the word “budget.” It works. Make it easy on yourself though. Instead of tracking your holiday spending separately, consider putting the full amount of your budget

on a low- or no-fee prepaid debit card (such as the one offered by American Express). When the money is spent, the shopping is over.

Use the Internet. Compare prices online. Comparison shopping may seem like a no-brainer, but often it’s the trouble of doing so that makes us opt for the deal in front of us. However, there’s no sense running all over town, especially in holiday traffic, when you can compare from the comfort of your own phone. Before pulling the trigger on a purchase that seems like a great bargain, do a quick search online using the model number to see if it is, in fact, a great bargain. And if your search reveals that the item can be purchased online for much cheaper, don’t be afraid to do just that.

Use coupons. If you have a smart phone, bookmark a couple of sites that make it easy to search for coupons, and when you find one simply show your screen to the cashier. I personally am a big fan of www.printable-coupons.blogspot.com. It’s easy to navigate on a mobile device and is kept up-to-date. If there’s a current coupon for your major retailer or restaurant, it’s probably on there. When shopping online, if there is a coupon code or similar field during checkout, chances are there may be a valid coupon

No January TearsBy Kelly Charles


Kelly is a wife and mother of two. She and her husband own The Big Mattress Outlet in Rome. Kelly worked as an Operations Manager for the Simmons

Bedding Company for many years before opening her own business. She is also an avid couponer, having appeared on Extreme Couponing in seasons 1 and 2. She has published a book, "Keeping Couponing Real," and loves to play the piano and travel in the little spare time she can find. Contact her at 706-291-1220, on Facebook at Big Mattress Outlet, or visit www.bigmattressoutlet.com.

out there somewhere. Do a quick search for one, and sites such as retailmenot.com and dealspl.us are usually pretty reliable sources for valid coupon codes.

Don’t let the language fool you. 75% Off. Free Delivery. Blowout Sale. The psychology behind these phrases is powerful. While we think we know better, somehow we still tend to believe the big sign that effectively says “Buy me now.” Just remember:> Percentage off pricing is virtually

meaningless, and is usually just a markdown of a big markup.

> Nothing is ever free in the retail world. Ever.

> The few true bargains to be found in a typical store are usually offered as loss

leaders with the intention of making up profit on the other items you purchase.

Price Match? Yes, please! Even stores that don’t advertise a price matching policy may do so if asked. You may have to seek out a manager, but often showing a print or online ad for an identical item will score you a price match override. I’ve personally had success with this at a number of big box retailers including Best Buy, Target, HH Gregg, and Toys R Us. They would rather match a competitor’s price than lose the sale.

Whatever strategy you employ, you can be in control of your spending during the holidays. All smiles and no regrets in January.

7www.nwgeorgialiving.com

Arts & Events

CA L E N DA R FO R

NOVEMBER“Frankenstein”November 1–3, Fri. & Sat., 8:00 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m.Historic Desoto Theater. 706-295-7171. Rome

“Genius” — A Devised Piece November 7–10, Thurs.–Sun. 7:30 p.m.; 14–17, Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:00 p.m.Berry College Theater Company hosts “Genius,” which centers on a circle of writers, painters, composers and other artists who frequented the salon of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas in Paris. Berry College. 706-236-2262. Rome

The Marshall Tucker BandNovember 8, 7:30 p.m.Performing at The Forum with special guest Drivin’ and Cryin’. forumevents.org. Rome

Greene’s Jewelers Music Festival with the TAMSNovember 8–9Annual Music Festival kicks off on Friday night. On Saturday, a collection of local bands starts playing at 3:00 p.m. and ends with THE TAMS at 8:00 p.m. Historic Desoto Theater. 706-295-7171. Rome

54th Annual Christmas BazaarNovember 8–9, Fri. 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Handmade Christmas decorations, baked goods,

wearable art, home decor items and much more! 706-766-5123 [email protected]. Rome Civic Center. Rome

“Willy Wonka Jr.”November 9, 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.Director, Roland Chandler, brings a colorful spin to the classic Willy Wonka. Cedartown Auditorium. Cedartownshows.com 770-748-4168. Cedartown

Holiday Open HouseNovember 9, 10To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, several downtown businesses will have special sales, discounts, door prizes and light refreshments. Show your support for our local businesses by shopping with them. Downtown Cedartown

Rome Wine and Jazz FestivalNovember 10Hosted by the Rome Symphony Orchestra. Experience jazz music and fine wine with a wonderful “Roaring Twenties” theme and period attire encouraged. Forrest Place Ballroom. 706-291-7967 or www.romesymphony.org. Rome

Veterans DayNovember 11Take time today to thank our veterans for their dedication and loyal service to our country.

Empty Bowls BenefitNovember 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.The public is invited to attend. Tickets are available at Harvest Moon and Rome Visitors Center. Proceeds benefit the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter. Email Lisa Brown Ingram at [email protected]. Rome Civic Center. Rome

“Arsenic & Old Lace”November 14–17, Thur.–Sat. 7:00 p.m.; Sun. 3:00 p.m.

Presented by Calhoun Little Theatre at Harris Arts Center. Sponsored by Chick-fil-A. www.harrisartscenter.

com. 706-620-2599. Calhoun

Cave Spring Ancestry Day and Historic Tours

November 16, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Walking tours of Historic Cave Spring

including the Cabin, GSD, the cave, Rolater Park, and cemeteries.

706-844-7672. Cave Spring Welcome Center. Cave Spring

Fall Concert Berry College Symphony OrchestraNovember 18, 7:30 p.m.From the classical movements of

Mozart to superhero themes and beyond, the Berry College Symphony

Orchestra brings delight to every musical taste. Ford Building, Berry

College. [email protected]. Rome


Annie Moses BandNovember 22, 7:00 p.mA blend of fiddle, jazz, and classical influences fused with soaring, folk-inspired vocals. www.calhoungem.org. GEM Theater. Calhoun

Turkey Trot 5KNovember 23, 9:00 a.m.Get prepared for the big turkey day feast by enjoying a beautiful crisp run/walk with your family along Etowah River Walk. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Bartow County. Cartersville Soccer Complex. 770-386-1677. Cartersville

Turkey ShootNovember 28, 1:00 p.m.Thanksgiving Day Turkey shoot at Cedar Creek RV and Outdoor Center. 706-331-7457. Cave Spring

DECEMBER“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”December 5–8, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2:00 p.m.Berry College Theater Company presents this behind-the-scenes effort to save old Scrooge’s soul. All proceeds will go towards the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the BCTC student travel fund. E.H. Young Theater. 706-263-2263. Berry College. Rome

Library After Hours: Ghost of Christmas Past Mystery TheaterDecember 6, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Reservations required, adults only. Dinner will be potluck. Cartersville Public Library. 770-382-4203. Cartersville

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”December 6–8, Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m.A Rome Little Theater presentation. The Desoto Theater, 706-295-7171 or romelittletheater.wordpress.com. Rome

“Nutcracker” December 6–8, Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3:00 p.m.The classic holiday ballet performed by the Cartersville City Ballet at The Grand Theatre. Civic Auditorium. 770-386-7343. Cartersville

“I’ll be Home for Christmas”December 6–8, Fri. and Sat. 8:00 p.m.; Sun. 3:00 p.m.

Set in late 1941, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is the story of the faith of a family, and a nation on the brink of World War II, preparing to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. A Pumphouse Players Production. Legion Theater. 770-387-2610. Cartersville

A Red Top Mountain ChristmasDecember 7Yuletide celebrations of the 1800’s come to life as demonstrators take you back in time to Christmas at the pioneer homestead. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of holiday preparations and festivities at the Vaughan Cabin located behind the Park Office. St. Nick will be available for photos and Christmas visits at the homestead and Park Office. Red Top Mountain State Park. 770-975-0055. Cartersville

10th Annual Small Town Christmas in the CountryDecember 7–8, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.This event will be held at the Hearn Academy and the pavilions at Rolator Park in Cave Spring. The event has expanded to include the local Cave Spring businesses and organizations. [email protected]. smalltownchristmasinthecountry.com. Cave Spring

Rome Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas ConcertDecember 8, 3:00 p.m.Rome Symphony Orchestra will perform with Rome/Floyd County Honors Choir. Rome City Auditorium. 706-233-7293. Rome

Polar Express Story TellingDecember 10, 6:00 p.m.Children of all ages will have the opportunity to join the Conductor for a reading of the Polar Express and have the chance to visit with Santa. We will have crafts, and will be serving snacks and beverages. The Desoto Theater. 706-295-7171. Rome

“It’s the Holiday Season”December 12–13, 7:30 p.m.Presented by the Calhoun Community Chorus. Harris Arts Center. harrisartscenter.com. Calhoun

Christmas with ElvisDecember 13Award winning Elvis tribute artist

Christmas Parades:Rome: December 3, 6:30 p.m.Cedartown: December 5, 6:00 p.m.Cartersville: December 5, 6:00 p.m.Rockmart: December 6, 6:00 p.m.Calhoun: December 12, 7:00 p.m.Cave Spring: December 14, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING:Farm City WeekNovember 21–ThanksgivingEach day a special activity is planned. Contact Downtown Calhoun DDA Office at the depot at 706-602-5570. Calhoun

9th Annual Festival of Trees & Mistletoe MarketNovember 4–December 8The Harris Arts Center galleries are transformed into a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated, themed Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces all offered for silent auction. www.harrisartscenter.com. 706-620-2599. Calhoun

Santa ExpressNovember 29–December 24One hour fun filled trip with Santa and Christmas characters. While on board your family will hear a Christmas story, and sing Christmas Carols. Advance

reservation is required. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Brscenic.com. Blue Ridge.

Stephen Freeman returns to Calhoun’s GEM Theatre! 706-625-3132. GEM Theater. Calhoun

Hometown ChristmasDecember 14, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Shop locally and enjoy a relaxed, yet festive atmosphere including entertainment, dance performances, strolling carolers, instrumental performances, photo opportunities with Santa, and more. Friendship Plaza. 770-607-3480. Downtown Cartersville

Rome Jingle Bell Run/Walk for ArthritisDecember 14, 10:00 a.m.678-237-4450. [email protected] or romejbrw.org. Rome


DIY

By Jennifer Almand

Every November, I have one thing on my calendar — holiday decorating. I spend long days splashing glitter everywhere,

and my clients have even nicknamed me “The Glitterati.” It brings me joy to see the smiles on my clients’ faces after I transform their homes for the holidays, making their little corner of the world twinkle with lights and ornaments.

But I have to admit, my personal

Magnificent Natural WreathsCelebrate your Holiday Season in unique style!

Moss Wreath> Straw wreath form > Floral pins> Floral picks (wired)> Moss (sold in packages)> Decorative ribbon for hanging

This wreath is probably the simplest to construct.

Simply lay out your straw wreath form and start covering it using different sized chunks of moss. Secure each chunk with floral pins. (I do NOT recommend using hot glue to attach the moss, because it will not hold up to the extreme temperatures of winter).

Once the entire front and sides of the wreath form are covered, you can add a little color with other items like baby pine cones, or berries. Attach these into the wreath with wired floral picks. Simply wire the berries to the wooden pick and insert them between the moss so that the pick is hidden.

favorite holiday decorations to work with are of the more “natural” variety. I love the simplicity of a fragrant evergreen wreath and the softness of the natural tones of greenery which glows under the soft lights. And face it, the simple scents of evergreen and cedar bring back the best memories of my childhood growing up in Germany where decorating with natural elements is the norm.

Living wreaths have a bad reputa-tion of being difficult to make, but they

really are quite simple. I have chosen three natural wreaths that are perfect for the beginner, and once you conquer these, the sky is the limit. Below you will find directions for creating a magnolia wreath and a moss wreath, two classic styles that will brighten any front door during those dreary winter months. The materials for these wreaths can be found at your local craft store, but the natural elements might be as near your back yard. You can do this!

Top: The fall pumpkin wreath was created by Todd Bussey, owner of Bussey’s Flowers, Gifts, and Décor in Cedartown and Rome.

Left: The moss wreath that easily transitions from one season to another was also created by Todd Bussey.Photography by

Patricia Montgomery.10 www.nwgeorgialiving.com

1924 Shorter Avenue, NW • Rome, GA • 706-291-1220 • www.bigmattressoutlet.com

Luxury name brands — always

50% off

Sleep better knowing you didn’t pay too much for your mattress

Jennifer Almand of Almand Specialty Painting & Design has been beautifying homes in Northwest Georgia since 2006. She lives with her husband Rick and their four dogs in

scenic Kingston, Georgia. She specializes in murals, faux finishes, and wallpaper, painted furniture and custom art. She renovates kitchen cabinets, installs decorative tile, works as a personal shopper and home organizer, and consults with her clients on fabrics, finishes and fixtures to make their homes unique. Jennifer also enjoys photography, riding motorcycles, playing with her “fur-children,” and donating her time and talents to community charities. Jennifer can be contacted at (706)346-1590, visit her business page on FaceBook, or email her at [email protected]

Rustic Magnolia Wreath> Floral wire paddle> Grapevine or honeysuckle wreath form > Magnolia branches with plenty of leaves> Large berry sprigs of your choice> Medium-sized pine cones> Burlap ribbon

Start by laying out the grapevine wreath and pay attention to which way to turn the wreath so it looks best, since most are a little uneven.

Secure the beginning of your wire to the wreath wherever you wish to start.

Begin wiring individual branches of magnolia leaves to the form, and don’t worry if the backs of some of the leaves are showing — that just adds interest. You may choose to cover only a portion of the wreath or cover the entire thing. I often only cover one-third of the wreath and let some of the grapevine show.

Wire in pine cones and large colorful berries to add dimension and color.

When finished, cut and secure the end of your wire, and, finally, add a natural burlap ribbon to hang the wreath.

These wreaths are all relatively simple to construct; it is just a little more tedious when dealing with natural materials. Use your imagination; you might add battery-powered LED lights, hiding the wires underneath the foliage. Natural wreaths add a beautiful living element to your holiday decor and are a fresh, unique approach to break from the ordinary silk wreaths. If you don’t feel confident tackling this project, you can always contact your local florist who will be more than happy to make it for you!

Let your front door stand apart from the others with a natural, welcoming, fragrant holiday wreath, and of course, be the envy of the neighborhood. Happy holiday crafting!

Photography by Jennifer Almand


Create a gift basket by choosing any of the following products which can be all the same fragrance or different fragrances:

• Moisturizing body butter

• Bath salts: made from quality salts including: Himalayan Pink Salt, Bokek Dead Sea Salt, Breton organic gray sea salt from France, Eurospa Mediteranean

Sea salt from France, and Premium Epsom salt crystals

• Soap

• Candle

• Customized essential oil blend

Can also include the following:

• Terra-cotta pendant or bracelet for personal air diffuser

• Bowls with terra-cotta spheres for room oil diffuser

• Meditation CD

• Name card

• Book mark

• Gift certificates for: Reiki session, NLP session, life coaching

session, Emotion Code session, menopause support session

• Fragrances can be floral such as rose, jasmine, or geranium; citrus such as lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, neroli, or grapefruit; herbal such as oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, or coriander; or a host of other fragrances

“If your life is not becoming to you, you should be coming to me.”

Certified Life Coaching,

Certified NLP Practitioner,

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

520 Broad Street, Rome GA | www.ohbabylifecoaching.com | [email protected] | 706-314-9739 Gwen Dempsey, EdS

Unique Gift Baskets


4065 Martha Berry Hwy. NW | Rome, GA 30165Phone 706-295-0299

www.lavendermountainhardware.com

Fresh cut Fraser Fir Treesarrive November 26 ❄ 7-12 ft

We offer delivery and set up

Fraser Fir Wreaths & Bowsmade by our own Garden Center Staff

Fresh Pine Garland

Poinsettias & Christmas Cactus

Holiday Flags & Yard Stakes

❄ Celebrate ❄ the Holidays

We make decorating for the holidays easy & Fun

Unique Gifts for everyone on your list

Complimentary Gift Wrapping

Christmas Open House Friday Nov. 29th– Sunday Dec. 1st.

246 Shorter Avenue 706.291.9788Newly renovated and decorated

DALTON LOCATION:1331 W. Walnut Avenue 706.529.8477

311 Riverside Parkway 706.235.0555

ROME LOCATIONS:

Call us for all your catering needs!Thursday Night Specials and Karaoke at Riverside Pkwy.

CARTERSVILLE LOCATION:465 Cherokee Place 770.386.2977

Feliz NavidadCoolade

the clown Tuesdays 6-8 p.m.

Stop by and try our New Menu Items

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History

Strolling the aisles of my favorite warehouse store last weekend, I turned the corner to find rows of twinkly

holiday decorations, festive wrapping paper and must-have toys. Instantly, I was enveloped in memories colored in red and green and gold, scented with cinnamon and evergreen and filled with dulcet tones of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. My inner Martha Stewart then took over, and I started planning for the upcoming holidays, surely to the delight of the marketing department of the warehouse store striving to separate me from my money.

My decorations will include the usual colors red, green and gold and incorporate candles, a Christmas tree and traditional holiday music on the iPod. Admittedly, I am a creature of habit and I embrace family traditions. But why do I have these habits, and why did my family embrace these traditions? What do these colors and smells and symbols represent, and why do we associate them with the holidays?

The Colors of the SeasonWe know that the holidays are well and truly upon us when evergreen wreaths, holly and mistletoe appear on doors, walls and lampposts. The red and green colors used at Christmas likely stem from wintertime flora: the green of the evergreen needles, mistletoe and holly leaves, and the red of the accompanying berries.

Holiday colors are not limited to red and green, though. Our varying cultures, traditions and religions bring a panoply of colors into the festive season. If you observe Hanukkah, you likely use the colors of white and blue, which are believed to pay homage to the national flag of Israel. The African-American holiday of Kwanzaa emphasizes the colors green, red, and black. During Advent, celebrations may include

By Kathryn H. Smith

“ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”

the color blue to reference the Virgin Mary’s blue cloak and the liturgical color purple to represent both penitence and the royalty of the Christ Child. Adding sparkle to these holiday colors are accents of silver and gold, whether to remember the gift of gold from the Magi, to marvel at the beautiful silver of the Menorah, or simply to add a bit of shimmer to the celebrations.

Oh, Christmas TreeNothing makes our house feel like Christmas as does putting up our Christmas tree. Several years ago I discovered the wonder of shatterproof ornaments, which allow my girls to play a significant part in the decorating of the tree. Of course, a bit of judicious “re-styling” is required afterward, but the end result is always delightful.

The Christmas trees that we assemble today are credited as the modern version of Christmas trees that the people of Germany have been putting up in their homes for hundreds of years. This tradi-tion may have origins in an Egyptian midwinter festival, the Roman celebra-tion of Saturnalia or from the German Christmas market where Germans decorated a fir tree or branches with apples, flowers, ornaments and gilded or candied foods. One legend has it that on Christmas Eve around the year 1500

Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation, was walking through snow covered woods and was struck by their beauty. According to the legend, upon arriving home he brought in a fir tree and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ’s birth.

For Christians, the Christmas tree is actually a meaningful addition to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. One theory holds that the Christmas tree symbolizes the “Tree of Life” or “Paradise Tree” from the Garden of Eden and represents both a tree of sin and a tree of life. Another theory equates the Christmas tree with a large oak tree split in one blow by Saint Boniface in the year 722 that was proclaimed by Boniface to be a holy tree and “a symbol of Christ’s promise of eternal life.” And yet a third theory finds that a decorated Christmas tree is a symbolic representation of the spontaneous blossoming of trees at the moment of Christ’s birth.

The widespread appeal of the Christmas tree can be traced directly back to the ever-popular British royal family. In December 1848, the Illustrated London News published a sketch of


Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments, lit with candles and surrounded with toys. The fashionable Queen and her family imme-diately set a trend. When a version of the sketch was published in December 1850 in Godey’s Lady’s Book, an American monthly magazine, American readers embraced the tradition. Enterprising businessmen cut Christmas trees from forests and sold them commercially in 1851, and President Franklin Pierce installed the first Christmas tree in the White House in 1853.

The Enduring Appeal of CandlelightFrom Menorahs to Advent Candles to individual candles in windows, holiday observers include the use of candles and candlelight in their celebrations. Even the single lit candle carries meaning. For many it represents Jesus Christ as the “Light of the World,” whether it is decorated with holly and lit on Christmas Eve as in Ireland, blessed by a priest and placed in a loaf of bread in lieu of a candlestick as in the Ukraine or placed in a paper lantern decorated with Christmas symbols.

Kathryn Smith is a working attorney who manages investments for a family investment company. She is married to Ken, and they have two children. Kathryn was born and raised in Northwest GA. She holds degrees from Auburn and the University of Georgia. In her spare time she devours books of all kinds and cooks up a storm.

The tradition of placing candles in windows at Christmas stems from the English suppression of the Catholic faith in Ireland during the reign of William and Mary. At Christmas, Catholics in Ireland placed lit candles in their windows to signal to forbidden priests that the home was safe and welcoming for a Holy Night Mass. Irish immigrants later brought the custom to America.

And the Angel Said Unto ThemDuring the holidays, angels smile benevolently upon us from many vantage points — from Nativity scenes, from the tops of Christmas trees, and from, in my personal experience, my great room mantel. An angel is “a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence," according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

In the Biblical story of Jesus, the angel Gabriel is the messenger tasked with telling the virgin Mary that she will bear a son; an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph to calm his fears about taking Mary as his wife; and an angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds in the field and proclaims the birth of the Christ Child. Following the

angel’s proclamation, a multitude of the Heavenly Host joins the angel, praising God. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that many Christians choose to place an angel at the top of their Christmas tree, or that we hear Linus recite the good news of the proclaiming angel when educating Charlie Brown on the true meaning of Christmas.

Star of Wonder, Star of Night The stars that sit atop Christmas trees or perch at the apex of the stable in Nativity scenes typically represent the Star of Bethlehem, said to guide the Three Kings, or Magi, to Bethlehem and the Christ Child. Because the star figures so prominently in both the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi, it is associated with the celebrations of both Christmas and the Feast of Epiphany, which falls on January 6 and marks the end of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Various theories exist to explain in scientific terms the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, ranging from a triple conjunction where the sun, Earth, Jupiter and Saturn fall into alignment to a very bright comet to the birth of a new star or nova. There is further speculation that the Magi were Babylonian astrono-mers and astrologists who would have been capable of “reading the stars” and understanding its message. The Star of Bethlehem also reinforces the darkness into light theme of Advent, where the light of the Christ Child is shared first with the Holy Family and shepherds and then with the world through the Magi.

So as we gather to celebrate the holidays this year, we can marvel at the many ways that our festivities are influ-ences by cultures, faiths and traditions from around the world. The candles in our windows may bring unexpected yet welcome visitors, and the Christmas tree may make us feel just a little bit “royal.” The winking stars will remind us of the angel’s message. May your holidays in 2013 be colorful, joyous and meaningful!


By Ciara N. Mealer

DOG EARED

Ciara N. Mealer is a reading specialist, and freelance writer and editor. She lives in Rome, GA with her devoted sidekick. She is an avid naturalist, a voracious reader,

and spends most of her free time exploring outdoors, adventuring, and creating. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Welcome to the Holiday Season which is sure to be filled with wonder and enchantment, hot

cocoa and candy canes, pageants and parties! Let’s be honest though, it’s also bound to be filled with stress and anxiety, shopping and cooking, rushing around, and maybe a few fist-fights over the last Holiday Barbie at Walmart. With all of the stress that the holidays bring, sometimes it’s hard to see all of the magic they bring, too. Well, here’s my remedy, time-tested and true. All you need is a cozy chair, a soft blanket, and a good book. Mix well, and enjoy! Spiking the nog is optional.

Let Anne Perry bring you the splendor and joy of a Victorian Christmas with her latest novel “A Christmas Hope.” A merry party, a gripping mystery, and a budding romance all add up to a heartwarming story of faith and love. “Christmas Angel” by Jane Maas is the tragic, beautiful, and uplifting story of one family’s Christmas traditions, how they took shape, trans-formed the lives of those they touched, and ultimately how they came home. Mary Kay Andrews is at it again, and this time she’s brought us a Christmas tale quite like no other. In “Christmas Bliss” a friendship has hit the rocks just in time for the holidays. Can two friends patch up their relationship in time to make it off the naughty list? True to form, Andrews’ newest novel is a hoot, it will have you laughing and cheering before too long.

Some of the hottest bestsellers will be gracing shelves in time for the holidays, and with books like these you can start checking off that shopping list in no time. If you have people that are hard to shop for, try John Grisham’s “Sycamore Row” for the suspense lover, Stephen King’s “Doctor Sleep” for the horror hound, Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing Jesus” for

the history buff, or Elizabeth Gilbert’s “The Signature of All Things” for the chick-lit addicted. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has a wonderful new addition to her cookbook series, and one that garners my top gift pick for 2013. “Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays” is full of recipes and anecdotes that will keep the kitchen fun and easy even during the most stressful holidays.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, or Kwanzaa, sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the reason for the season. In her bestselling memoirs “Leaving Church” and “An Altar in The World” author and minister Barbara Brown Taylor reminds us that God isn’t just found in the church, chapel, or temple, but is around us everywhere, always if we take the time to look. “A Prayer Journal” by Flannery O’Connor, better known for writing fiction, was just discovered and published for the very first time. Read the grace with which one remarkable young woman struggles with her faith and ultimately forges her own personal relationship with the Divine. Christmas is everywhere and everyone knows about it, but have you ever wondered about other faiths that celebrate winter holidays? If you are curious, check out Huston Smith’s “The World’s Religions,” a clear, concise, and approachable way to learn about several religions from around the world. Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

Members Only For many the holidays are all about tradition. Decorating a tree, lighting candles, special foods, carols, etc. are all things that added together with loved ones make the season truly special. Large gestures or small ones, it doesn’t matter. It’s in the building of, the history of, and the continua-tion of these traditions that create the memories we cherish, that forge that tighter bond with the people we share it with. That’s why it’s such a great idea to start some holiday traditions with your book club.

Your new traditions can be anything really, but here are some of my favorite ideas to make that December meeting truly special, memorable, and some-thing you’ll want to do each year after.

> Secret Santa

> A dramatic reading of a Christmas classic, such as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” or “A Christmas Carol”

> Reading to hospitalized children or the elderly

The most important thing, as always, is just to be creative, have fun and enjoy this special time of year together.

Holiday’s Best


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So how will I pay for insurance for my family? If you don’t have insurance now, plan ahead for the extra cost in your 2014 budget. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for assistance with paying for your coverage, and the Humana website will walk you through the process step-by-step. Plus, you will have a local agent to help you now and down the road.

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Advice

By Dr. Laurie Johnson, LPC

Recently, my kids had a “Dress Like a Holiday” event at their school. Naturally, my daughter mentioned it at the 11th hour when it was too late to assist with a bit of mom magic. “Just wear

a Santa cap,” I suggested with a twinge of guilt that the holiday crates were not entirely out of view. (After all, there had been so many other urgent things to do during the last ten months, than get boxes all the way up to the attic.) This interaction with my daughter came to mind as I was mulling over this article. It struck me as the way many of us approach and survive the holidays — by looking the part and hoping nobody snoops deeper than our facade of cheer and charm. We know that if they did, they might find us fragile, frustrated, or frosty under the load of holiday responsibili-ties and expectations. Last year, I offered some tips to “Have it Your Way” in the NW Georgia Living holiday issue. I have cheerfully rounded up some additional sanity saving tips for the 2013 holiday season.

Boost Your Holiday

Spirit!

Set the Mood. A lot of folk are heading into these holidays under heavy financial strain. The last thing to do is use this season as an excuse to splurge. It is easy to crawl to year’s end with a feeling of “but, we deserve this.” However, that’s a sure-fire way to set up misery in 2014. Resist the urge to keep up with past spending habits. Let family members and friends know you are cutting back your holiday budget or would like to swap home baked goodies instead. Better our waistline pay a price than our wallet. For those readers who dread this kind of face-to-face conversation — rely on the electronic courage of texting, emailing, or sending a Facebook message. The point is not to let celebrating the holidays become the cause of hating life.

Once you’ve determined that you are not going to spend your way to misery, determine to spend energy on your senses. One of the reasons that this holiday season has such poignancy for us is that we associate it with wonderful smells, tastes, and sounds. Treat the family to your favorite scents, like pine, bayberry, and other holiday fragrances, through candles or diffusers. Enjoy a fire in the fireplace, or set around extra candles. There is a soothing, hypnotic effect of watching this glow. Make an extra effort to treat yourself to your favorite seasonal tea or coffee. You might find that the ritual (and affordability) of brewing it at home offers you a soothing escape. I don’t advise overindulging in spiked egg nog and the like, although the stresses and vulnerability of the holidays may tempt you to escape or dull the pain. Find an alternative comforter if you find yourself reaching into the liquor cabinet for courage or consolation. And please — do not get behind the wheel of a car if you’ve had alcohol.

Accept the Mood. One of the ways we can overtax ourselves during the holidays is by wishing things were different and anguishing over the fact they are not. If these are the first holidays after the loss of a loved one, after a divorce, or after a difficult diagnosis, it will take a lot of energy to resist the undertow of sadness. Fortify yourself by knowing what is best for you. Some people cope better if they focus on others, so they volunteer at soup kitchens, food drives, warm clothing drives, and getting groceries for or visiting shut-ins. Other people battle their sadness by choosing solitude and laying low during the holiday hubbub. Some folk find comfort in


Dr. Laurie Johnson, LPC, recent recipient of the MAGS Bronze Award for Best Feature in a Southeastern magazine, is also the author of Dr. J’s Field Guide: TEENS 101, the Field Guide TEENS 101 Companion Notebook, and Dr. J’s Field Guide: Marriage 101, available on Amazon.com. “The Dr. Laurie Show” airs Saturdays from 9-9:30am, EST on TalkRadio, WLAQ 1410. “Dr. J”

is available for counseling and keynotes, at The Skills for Living Institute, Inc, at 770.655.5364. She and her husband, Dan, have been married for 34 years and have four kids, 20, 18, 16, 14. They are looking forward to having two Dawgs home for the holidays!

observing holiday traditions, while others do better to leave on a cruise or skip festivities. If loved ones urge you to do more than you can, gently let them know you have different plans. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed at a gathering, entitle yourself to leave. There is no etiquette for grief; allow yourself to do what feels right and safe for you. Next year, you can be more sociable, more cheerful, and more cooperative.

In the same vein of coping with emotions during the holidays, you may find yourself more angry than sad. Anger is a natural response to feeling violated. If the holidays put you in contact with family members who have harmed you in the past or who enjoy pushing your buttons, that can present a weighty element of stress to handle. Self-knowledge will help you determine what is best for you and how to fortify yourself when you can’t choose the circumstances or the environment you prefer. Try wearing a certain watch or piece of jewelry to serve as a promise to yourself that, whatever you face, you are a precious and powerful person, and no one can take that from you. If you see the need to run defense for a family member, do it. Better to have a little friction at a festivity, than never see that family member return to a gathering.

Boost the Mood. Once you have determined that you will not purchase holiday cheer with next year’s stomach ulcer, pat yourself on the back. Chances are that no one can ever remember what you bought them last year. Indulge in a stick of cinnamon and use your favorite mug for tea. Get some low cost electric lights that flicker like candles, and enjoy them as you fall asleep. Surround yourself with fragrances that trigger happy memories or create new ones.

If it is hard to hear familiar holiday music, explore the multi-tude of genres there are for holiday tunes. Check out some of the DVDs that allow you to enjoy the visual of a fireplace on your TV. Enjoy a familiar holiday novel or try D. Ragan Johnson’s “Twelve Days of Christmas.” That’s a brazen plug, but if it makes me cry every time I read it, there’s something there. Watch Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s DVD “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” If you are celebrating Hanukkah, read “All But My Life” by Gerda Weissmann Klein, one of the world’s greatest living humanitarians. Feed your soul, and you will boost your spirit. Be kind to yourself, and it will be easier to be patient with others. You can cope with the holidays. Remember, this too shall pass — possibly too fast. I hope your holidays pass with grace and treasured memories.

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By Robert SmythBy Susan Hackney

YOU DON’T SAY?

All I can say is “we need a little Christmas — right this very minute,” if you are an anxious child counting the days ’til Santa arrives.

The rituals of the entire beautiful holiday season in Northwest Georgia brighten our lives, especially lighting the lights. Starting before Thanksgiving, each evening is a little more beautiful than the evening before as friends and neighbors add their special lights to this Season of Lights. I am always anxious to see the lights of our tree twinkling in a special window as I drive up the drive. Candles in the windows of traditional houses are another favorite these days, as is adding strings of lights to shrubbery and trees which makes the outdoors so beautiful at night. Additional landscape lighting which is focused on holiday greenery adds to the beauty of the season.

I have observed over the years that neighborhood displays of lights and other holiday adornments seem to be brighter

when economic times are the toughest. Our small northwest Georgia towns add their special lights to downtowns, making the streets look magical with lights added to trees and storefronts. It’s a tradition of many families to drive through downtown after dark when the holiday lights and displays are sparkling. Some businesses go out of their way to make their storefront the most beautiful. Observing the holidays with all the enthusiasm we can muster is a good way to make a state-ment of our optimism for the future.

Candles on holiday tables flicker from Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year, and the candlelight works magic that only candlelight can. I’m always sad to see the lights go away quickly after the New Year arrives. Some people have

their lights off and their Christmas tree in the dump way before I finish enjoying the season. I always keep my holiday lights on through New Year’s Day, and then as long as I can until Valentine’s Day threatens.

Celebrating our abundance with a national day of Thanksgiving is important, lest we begin to take our bless-ings for granted. (My grandchildren think they should receive gifts for all of the holidays which their other school friends are observing, as well as our family’s Christmas.) Celebrating the incredible events of the first Christmas is important beyond description when you think of the Bible’s account of the majesty of a Heavenly Host announcing that the Son of God — The Messiah — had been born in Bethlehem; that the Lord of Hosts had again injected Himself into human history with the birth of His Son. There aren’t enough carols to sing, lights to string, or candles to burn to reflect the enormity of the birthday which we celebrate at Christmas.

A current television commercial says that the best stories you’ll ever tell start with “don’t tell” — don’t tell your daddy; don’t tell your mommy; don’t tell anybody else, but . . . I must disagree. The best story any of us will ever tell must be told. “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.”

Back to where we started, one of my most favorite holiday songs is “We Need a Little Christmas.” We need a little Christmas all the time, anytime, because Christmas is hope and love.

There was a time when Ebenezer Scrooge had nothing on me. The very thoughts of shopping and wrapping, decorating and cooking, and all that mess turned me into a monster. Soon, “Bah Humbug” became my favorite expression and certainly my attitude — ask my editor. Some of you will recognize this syndrome in yourselves, so pay attention here. I learned to limit myself to only those activities I love — those which contribute to the enjoyment of the wonderful celebration of the holiday season. No more “Bah Humbug” for me.

My plans for the 2013 holiday season are to light up our house and yard as much as I can for as long as I can, and also enjoy the lights you all display. I’ll attend candlelight services, and, at home, listen to Christmas collections which friends have created for us. We might be home for the holidays, or we might travel a little bit with our “sleigh” loaded with toys. Whatever your plans are, Happy 2013 Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

I Say We Need A Little Christmas!


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Travel

You know the lyrics. “On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree. On the second

day of Christmas my true love sent to me: two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.”

I have never seen a partridge in person, but I grew up watching the Partridge family. That’s the only partridge I’m familiar with. Besides, it would have to be an awfully big pear tree to hold a bird, and UPS doesn’t deliver live animals or large trees as far as I know. So when you think about it, the song the “Twelve Days of Christmas” doesn’t seem logical, although it’s a song we all know by heart.

But, if you are looking for some-thing fun, exciting, and different to do this Christmas season (Yes, it’s here already. Walmart has their Christmas decorations out.), then consider one of these events guaranteed to make you smile. These spectacular Christmas related activities are budget friendly, family oriented, and only a short drive from you.

Enjoy a Christmas Play.Many of the plays this season are the traditional Christmas plays we see each year, but some have new twists to old plots. You may want to check out the Rome Historic Desoto Theatre’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” about Mother who is challenged to direct this year’s church Christmas pageant with a cast made up of future inmates. Berry College Theatre Company is presenting an irreverent, funny, and ultimately, deeply moving retelling of Dickens’ classic story “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” with warmth and infectious zest. The Pumphouse Players in Cartersville will present the heartwarming play “I’ll be Home for Christmas” at the Legion Theatre. Check the Calendar for Living for dates and times.

Twelve Fun-Filled Days of ChristmasBy J. D. Erickson

Soothe your Soul with Music.Nothing sets the mood for the holidays like a live performance. Check out Rome Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert at the Rome City Auditorium on December 8. The Calhoun Community Chorus will present “It’s the Holiday Season” at the Harris Arts Center on December 12 and 13. One of my favor-ites, “Christmas with Elvis,” will be held on December 13 at the GEM Theatre in Calhoun. The Berry College Concert Choir will bring in the Christmas and Advent season with choruses, solos and instrumentals performing Handel’s “Messiah” at 7 o’clock on December 8 at the Berry College Chapel. Local churches typically have candlelight services featuring beautiful Christmas music during the holiday season.

Stay In and Watch a Christmas Movie.Pop some popcorn, turn off the lights, and check the listings for the numerous Christmas movies that make you laugh and cry. One of my favorites is “The Christmas Story” which is shown every year on TBS and runs for 24 hours straight. It features Ralphie who only wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas but is constantly warned by his parents, friends, and even the department store Santa that “you’re gonna shoot your eye out kid.” When he finally gets one, he takes it out for a trial run, and, yep, he almost shoots his eye out. Another favorite of mine is “Christmas Vacation.” Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) returns for what he thinks is a calm Christmas at home with family when Uncle Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family drop by for a few days. Eddie brings in the Christmas tree he just cut down in a neighbor’s yard with a live squirrel in it. It’s classic Eddie when he pulls up to Clark’s nice subdivision in his old dilapidated motor home and asks where he can dump his sewage from the motor home.

Go Out and See a Movie on the Big Screen.One of the few places to find a couple hours of solace during the hectic holiday seasons is a movie theater. There are a couple of films that should appeal to your family. “The Christmas Candle” is coming out on Thanksgiving day and is a period film that takes place in England during the Victorian age in the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candle maker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights the candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. Another interesting film coming out during the holidays is “Saving Mr. Banks.” Tom Hanks plays the role of Walt Disney in the early 1960s. When Walt Disney’s daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P.L. Travers’ “Mary Poppins,” he made them a promise that he would make the movie. What he didn’t realize at the time was that it would take him 20 years to obtain the film rights from the author, a

The Fabulous Fox was nearly destroyed by a wrecking ball in the name of urban renewal in the 1970s. This Egyptian inspired theater first opened in 1929,and hosts a variety of cultural and artistic events including The Nutcracker, as well as concerts, plays, and musicals.


reluctant participant in having the book commercialized by Hollywood.

Catch a Christmas Parade. Who doesn’t love parades? Why only the Grinch himself would not love one of NW Georgia’s hometown Christmas parades. Check the Calendar for Living for the time and dates. Some of them look like great fun. The theme for this year’s Rome/Floyd County Christmas Parade celebrates the wonderful Christmas movies that we all have enjoyed over the years. (Makes me want to find an old RV and dress up as Eddie from Christmas Vacation. All I need to do now is find a Clark Griswold look alike.)

See “The Nutcracker” at the fabulous Fox Theater, Atlanta. If you’ve never been to the Fox Theater in Atlanta then you need to go at some point in your life. I have been fortunate enough to see “The Nutcracker” and (trust me when I tell you this) I am not the target audience for this kind of musical event, because I love football, beer, chicken wings, and I don’t dance. But I loved “The Nutcracker.” The Atlanta Ballet’s performance comes to life on the sparkling stage at the Fox, complete with beautiful fairies, hand-some princes, dancing snowflakes and a lovely young girl on her way to the Sugar Candy Kingdom.

Stay Closer to Home with Nearby Performances of “The Nutcracker.”While the fabulous Fox hosts the Atlanta Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” there is a lot to be said for some of the local productions. The classic holiday ballet will be performed by the Cartersville City Ballet at The Grand Theatre on December 6, 7, and 8 and in Cedartown by a local dance group at the Cedartown City Auditorium on December 7. Just a little farther south, the Georgia Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Cobb Civic Center on December 6, 7, and 8.

Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Santa Express.Toward the North Pole (and a little east of here) the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge offers a one hour fun-filled train ride with Santa and other Christmas characters. While on board your family will hear a Christmas story and sing Christmas Carols. Reservations are required, so call ahead.

Visit the Festival of Trees, Helen, GA.Helen is a little more than a couple of hours drive and located in the Northeast Georgia mountains. For those who have never experienced Helen, it’s a replica of an Alpine Bavarian village and is filled with wonderful shops, restaurants, lodging and some beautiful mountains.

I have camped in Helen several times in the last 30 years (revealing my age here) and it’s one of my favorite places in the State of Georgia. Maybe I will go and, while there, look for my keys I lost in 1987. You can also view the beautifully decorated trees throughout the Lodge at Unicoi State Park.

Do Something Different.Ever get bored doing the same old thing? Does your sweetheart long for something new and exciting? Here are a couple of things that might satisfy that longing. Try the Christmas Dinner Theater in Adairsville for dinner and a live performance of “This Christmas” at the 1902 Stock Exchange on December 7, 8, 14, and 15. Check out Cartersville’s Public Library for a potluck dinner, adults-only evening on December 6 to enjoy the Library After Hours — Ghost of Christmas Past Mystery Theatre.

Do Something Nice for Someone Else Day.OK, so this isn’t officially an event, and you can do this anytime you want to but due to procrastination, family obliga-tions, and this thing called life you have been too busy to do any good work for others. So, put on your Santa hat and . . .> Donate clothes, household items, or

anything sitting in your garage/attic untouched for more than a year to

Celebrate Christmas holidays in Helen’s Bavarian Village only a little over an hour north of Atlanta. Enjoy all that Helen has to offer with its colorful Christmas displays, lights, restaurants and shopping.


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THIS CHRISTMAS, SAY IT ALL WITHOUT SAYING A WORD.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ROME

J. Erickson owns Erickson Development, a real estate development company. In addition to being a developer, he is also a contractor, real estate

investor and adventure seeker. A former jock he now enjoys watching sports more than participating. Jerry lives in Marietta with his two sons, JT and Jack, who are active in baseball and school.

Goodwill or a local thrift store.> Donate pet food to your local animal

shelter. > Take dinner to a neighbor who has just

had surgery. > Take the older kids with you to volun-

teer to work in a homeless shelter.> Decide to sponsor a family or child

and let your family get in on making a Christmas special for a needy family.

Go Christmas Shopping in our NW Georgia Towns and Cities. Local merchants typically have a special shopping day in their town when they feature discounted prices, refreshments, and even some entertainment. Cave

Spring is host to the annual Small Town Christmas in the Country on December 7 and 8 in the Rolator Park and Hearn Academy. Cedartown merchants celebrate the holiday season with their Holiday Open House on November 9 and 10. Cartersville holds their Hometown Christmas on December 14 with great shopping and fun entertain-ment at Friendship Plaza. Check your local area for these special shopping days and take the entire family!

That’s it. The choices are many. Have a great Christmas season and although it’s a little early to say it . . . Happy New Year!

Santa Express is a great family adventure on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway complete with a Christmas story on board, Christmas carols, visit with Christmas characters and Santa.


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SOCIAL SAVVY

We all have difficult people in our lives with whom we have to deal. Whether they are family, friends, forced acquaintances (at church, the grocery store, or social events), or co-workers,

our lives intersect with difficult people. My preference is to avoid them, but avoidance is not always possible.

— Kat, Editor

SO, THE QUESTION IS ...> How do you deal with difficult people in your life?

> Jane Wyatt: Kill them (not literally) with kindness!

> Susan Hackney: I marry them!!

> Anonymous: I divorce them!

> Jennifer Almand: We all have those people in our life that we would prefer to avoid at all costs, but that is just not possible, unfortunately. If I see someone approaching me that I don’t particularly care for, I pretend my phone is ringing, and then hold it to my ear as I politely say, “Hey! Sooooo good to see you! Are you doing OK? Good, good...” (Along with a huge pearly white smile). Then I turn away and carry on with my fictional emergency conversation.

> Jay E. DeVille: My first auto-response to challenging people is to avoid them. My insides begin singing with Ray Charles “Hit the road Jack, and don’t you come back, no more, no more.” However, my conscious quickly takes over and helps me realize these folks are fighting tough battles of their own and my role is to “Help” and not hurt. I can hear the difficult person singing with Elvis “Walk a mile in my Shoes.” I make a point to try to let them know I care and want to help. Usually, they see that we are on the same team and are willing to work to toward the same goal and are soon harmonizing with

John Fogerty, “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play.” It is important for me to appreciate that “He ain’t heavy, He’s my brother.”

> Harriette Keen Jacobs: As my grand-mothers always told me, “Kill ’em with kindness, Honey.” Then I throw in a few “Bless your hearts” drizzled with as much magnolia as I can muster; then re-direct, re-direct, re-direct.

> L. Wood: The definition of difficult is “not easy” to deal with or manage. It’s hard to get along with everyone, but some people make it impossible. Do they look in the mirror and say, “Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who’s the Fairest of them all? When the Mirror tells the truth, “Well, it’s certainly not you!” she screams, stomps her feet and wonders why. Get a clue!

> J.D. Erickson: Dealing with difficult people is like driving over a pothole; sometimes it’s unavoidable and you have to deal with any damage later. The best way I deal with these folks is to get it over with quickly, much like pulling off a Band-Aid.

> Kathryn H. Smith: First, identify the primary issues that create conflict with such a person and try to address them without involving him or her. Second, when you think that you have to interact, pick your battles

and engage the person only when absolutely necessary.

Third, breathe and take solace in the fact that the challenges with Difficult Person #1 are

only preparing you for the coming battles with

Difficult Persons Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 . . .

> Andi Counts: Head on, but not in a one-on-one

setting where your words can get twisted later. These folks need to be called out on their annoying ways in front of others — tactfully — whenever possible, but firmly and succinctly so they know you are on to their tricks and will not stand for it. This works especially well if you catch them pestering someone other than yourself and can take the role of defender. Our politically correct society has made it much easier for folks to be bullies.

> Kat Carter: For many years I worked with a wonderful person, Trudy Tucker. We spent years on the road training administrators, teachers, regional educational service personnel and state department personnel. I can assure you that we dealt with many difficult people along the way. Trudy had the most remarkable way of dealing with them. The more difficult they became, the sweeter and nicer (if that was possible) Trudy became. She smiled, spoke softly, acknowledged their feelings, and made them feel as if she cared about their complaint or concern. She never, ever failed to turn them around within minutes, not that she always gave in to their demands, but she very kindly validated what they were saying. I learned so much from her, but what I learned about dealing with difficult people is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from anyone.


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$29 MRS. CLAUS DRESS AND

MATCHING LEASHDress your pet in our Mrs. Claus harness dress with matching leash from Cha-Cha Couture. The Backyard Pet Boutique and Nutrition Center, 1201 Dean Avenue, Rome.

$128 RYÜ BOHO JACKET.

Ryϋ faux leather camel asymmetrical Boho Jacket. Doll Boutique, 315 Riverside Pkwy NE #120, Rome.

$79 FRINGE ANKLE BOOTIE.

Bamboo Fringe micro suede ankle bootie in black or tan. Doll Boutique, 315 Riverside Pkwy NE #120, Rome.

$849 KAMADO JOE CERAMIC GRILL

Grill, sear, and smoke with the Kamado Joe Ceramic Grill. Available in red or black. Kitchen & Bath Depot, 249 N. 5th Avenue, Rome.

$100 ALL-CLAD PANINI PAN WITH PRESSThe anodized aluminum, non-stick Panini pan

comes with a weighted press that creates a crunchy exterior with grill marks. Riveted stainless-steel handle stays cool to the touch. Perfect for sandwiches, grilled chicken, steaks and chops. Riverside Gourmet, 250 Broad Street, Rome.

$27 HABERSHAM SAGE CANDLENatural essences of garden sage and purple

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$225 CLARISONIC PLUSClarisonic Plus offers a total face and body

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$425 BLUE TOPAz RINGSterling silver and 18K

gold ring with blue topaz center by Colore. Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers, 312 Broad Street, Rome.

EdibleArrangements.comEDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS® y Design, y todas las demás marcas indicadas son marcas comerciales de Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2013 Edible Arranagements,

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$49 DIPPED FRUIT BUNDLES

Delicious Dipped Fruit Bundles can also be purchased in singles. Starting at $49.00. Edible Arrangements, 315 Riverside Parkway, Rome.

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$69/month YMCA FAMILY MEMBERSHIPGive the gift of health with a membership to the Rome/Floyd YMCA. Rome/Floyd YMCA, 810 East 2nd Avenue, Rome.

$12 HAND FELTED WOOL CLUTCHES, WRISLETS AND SHOULDER BAGS

WITH zIPPER POUCH BY WINDHORSE. Prices range from $12-46. Available at Elysium, 226-B Broad Street, Rome.


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For the collector or the novice, the beauty and quality of the W. R. Case & Sons hand-crafted knife can’t be matched. Harvested from the inner lining of oyster shells, the handle is admired as much for its strength as for its beauty. Lavender Mountain Hardware, 4065 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome.

$8-$26 PHILOSOPHY GIFT SET

The Snow Angel set includes sweetly fallen snow shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath and body lotion to cleanse, hydrate and soften skin. The moisturizing formulas feature a sweetly fallen snow scent to wrap you in the freshness and joy of a crisp snowfall. Stella Blu, 200 Broad Street, Rome.

$27 MOMMY’S MAGIC KITCare, play, save the day! Our

Mommy’s Magic Kit is the must-have baby shower gift! Mommy’s Magic Kit includes 12 ‘in a pinch’ products for moms on-the-

go. Rabbits Nest, 1207 Dean Ave SE, Rome.

$425 STERLING SILVER

GEM NECKLACEThree foot necklace in sterling silver with amethyst, citrine, and blue topaz gems by Colore. Matching bracelet is available. Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers, 312 Broad Street, Rome.

NWGL’S GIFT GUIDE

$80 CARHARTT GEORGIA

BULLDOG SANDSTONE VESTLayer up for warmth with this sandstone vest featuring a nylon lining

quilted to arctic-weight polyester insulation and constructed of tough 12-ounce, 100% cotton ring-spun sandstone duck. Lavender Mountain Hardware, 4065 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome.

$140 BLACK HOLIDAY

SEQUINED JACKET with adjustable

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BUTTON WRAPCharlie Paige™

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New Twists on Holiday Favorites

Get Cook’in

By Aletia DuPree

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are soon approaching. How exciting! It’s my most favorite time

of the year, and I want this year to be extra special so I’m going to jazz up my holiday dinner table with just a few modern twists to the traditional holiday classics. If you are like me and are tired of the same-old same-old, here is your solution to create an elegant, delicious meal that is bursting with all the wonderful flavors of the season from fresh oranges, cinnamon, and ginger to roasted chestnuts.

Sometimes an entire roast turkey is just too much and often some of it goes to waste. Still sticking to tradition, this savory turkey breast stuffed with a sweet, spicy fruit and nut mixture topped with a beautiful, shiny pear glaze fits the bill for something different and good. Serve it alongside the super moist Apple Chestnut Cornbread Dressing and you won’t even need a centerpiece. Stir tart Granny Smith apples and roasted chestnuts in your cornbread dressing or stuffing. It makes a flavorful alterna-tive to plain cornbread dressing. While peeling chestnuts may be labor inten-sive, the end result is totally worth it. This dressing is rich and nutty and has a great texture.

Warm Jalapeno-Cranberry Sauce takes the traditional out-of-the-can berry sauce to a whole new level. A healthy dose of ginger and a splash of jalapeno will be a welcome addition to the holiday table. My family may be in for a little shock when they don’t see the usual marshmallow yam bake on the table this year, but I think they will be pleasantly surprised when they indulged in the Candied Orange Sweet Potatoes. The fresh flavors of orange and brown sugar create the perfect glaze for this scrump-tious side. Looking for a dessert that will have your guest leaping over mountains for a second helping? Try adding chocolate to the all-time classic pecan

Savory TurkEy BrEaST STuFFED WITH FruIT aND NuTSServes 6 to 81 boneless half turkey breast (about 2½ lbs)1 cup of each fruit, chopped dried apricots,

cranberries, golden raisins⅔ cup mixed nuts, chopped1 small onion, chopped½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh

thyme1 teaspoon sea salt, divided¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper2 tablespoons red cooking winePaprika2 tablespoons olive oil

GLazE½ jar pear or apricot preserves

GarNISHA sprig fresh rosemary, fresh Granny Smith apples and pears, cut in half

Mix the fruit, nuts, onions, ½ teaspoon of the salt, pepper and wine. Stuff the mixture into the turkey breast. Pour the olive oil over the breast and spread it on all sides. Sprinkle paprika and the remaining salt all over the breast. Fold the breast in half and tie it with kitchen string. The cooking juices will seal the pieces together again. Place the stuffed, seasoned breast in a tent of oiled baking parchment paper or foil. Pinch one side of the tent closed, but leave the other side open for ventilation so that you get roasted, not poached meat. If any stuffing falls out, just scoop it up and place it under the breast when baking it. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

To prepare the glaze: Microwave preserves in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Pour warm preserves over turkey breast. Garnish

with fresh rosemary, apples and pears, if desired. Serve with Apple Chestnut Cornbread Dressing.

pie. Being the true blue Southern girl that I am, I was a little reluctant to even entertain the thought of making any changes to my favorite holiday dessert, but needless to say, this Chocolate Pecan Pie had me at first bite.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!


Do Ahead TipsTwo weeks before: Make cornbread dressing, but DO NOT COOK. Freeze the UNBAKED mixture. Note: Do not add the apples and chestnuts yet. Wait and add them to the cornbread batter just before baking.

One week before: Make your grocery list and do your shopping at least 5 days before your holiday feast.

Three days before: Thaw out the turkey in refrigerator if it is frozen. You don’t want to worry about frozen turkey getting done. I have made the mistake of forgetting to remove the turkey from the freezer. Set the dinner table with a special holiday theme. Don’t forget place cards; everyone loves to see their name written. Plus it eliminates confusion at meal time.

One day before: Peel sweet potatoes, cover with ice water and store in refrigerator. Take the cornbread dressing out of freezer and thaw in refrigerator. Make Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce but don’t add the cilantro yet. Store in refrigerator. Make Chocolate Pecan Pie. When cooled, cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Stuff turkey breast with fruit and nut filling; wrap and refrigerate.

Day of Feast: Bake half turkey breast about 1 ½ hours before meal. Make orange glaze for sweet potatoes and cook in oven 1 hour before serving. Add apples and chestnuts to

oraNGE CaNDIED SWEET PoTaToES Serves 102½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick2 oranges, very thinly sliced and seeds

removed (one for slicing and one for the zest)2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest

(the zest of one orange)1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed1 tablespoon all-purpose flour¾ cup fresh orange juice, (Not from

concentrate.)2 teaspoons vanilla extract¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 400°. Layer potatoes in a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the orange slices. In a small saucepan melt butter and sugar together over medium-low heat. Remove from heat. Whisk flour, vanilla extract, and orange juice together. Add orange juice mixture to the melted butter and sugar. Cook over low-heat for 1 minute. Pour sauce over potatoes and orange slices. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and spoon orange sauce over potatoes; coating well. Return to the oven and continue to bake 20 to 30 minutes more or until potatoes are tender, spooning sauce over potatoes halfway through the uncovered baking time. Sprinkle cinnamon, orange zest and freshly grated nutmeg over the top and serve warm.

WarMED JaLaPENo CraNBErry SauCEServes 8 to 101 tablespoon unsalted butter2 tablespoons granulated sugar2 tablespoons finely grated ginger, fresh 1 16-ounce package of fresh or frozen

cranberries⅔ cup fresh orange juice½ cup apricot preserves1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

In a sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sugar, ginger, orange juice, and apricot preserves and cook stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in cranberries; stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. (About 20

minutes.) Add chopped jalapeno. Just before serving add the fresh cilantro.

aPPLE CHESTNuT CorNBrEaD DrESSINGServes 16 to 185 cups self-rising corn meal mix1 teaspoon sugar¾ cup vegetable oil7 large eggs, divided3 cups buttermilk2 cups soft bread or biscuit crumbs1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter3 cups finely chopped celery2 cups finely chopped onion1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage (Do not use

ground sage.)1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper1 (10 ¾-ounce) can cream of celery soup5 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into small

chunks2 cups chopped toasted chestnuts (peeled)

Preheat the oven to 425°. Combine cornmeal, sugar, oil, 3 eggs, and buttermilk in a large bowl. Pour batter in to a well greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Crumble cornbread into a large bowl; stir in bread crumbs and set aside. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add celery and onions, and sauté until tender. Stir vegetables with butter, remaining 4 eggs, sage, pepper, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth into cornbread mixture. Fold in apples and chestnuts; spoon into 1 lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and 1 lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake the dressing in a preheated 375° oven uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.

dressing; bake 1 hour before serving. Warm cranberry sauce up 15 minutes before serving time. Add fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Now, you’re ready to enjoy this wonderful meal.


All Christmas trees, ornaments,

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on sale

10 Central Plaza, Rome, Ga | 706-378-5957 | www.habitatrome.org

Habitat for Humanity Restore RomeTue–Fri: 9:00 am–6:00 pm | Sat: 9:00 am–4:00 pm

Habitat Restore’s Annual Christmas SaleStarts November 5 – December 24th

Please remember us when making your donations before the end of the year. Give us a call and we can pick up.

Aletia DuPree is a cooking instructor, speaker, author and former restaurateur. Born and raised in the South, her first book “Deliciously Southern: Southern Recipes and a

Tour of the South” features over 370 mouth-watering recipes that capture the very heart of Southern cooking. Deliciously Southern is available wherever books are sold or at www.aletiadupree.com. Aletia is the editor of the online food blog “Southern Life” where she writes about the art of Southern hospitality, culture and cuisine. Her enthusiasm and passion for Southern food, culture and hospitality are contagious in her cooking demonstrations that are full on fun, energy, insight and creative ideas to bring families back to the kitchen table for delicious home-cooked meals. For a night of fun, food and delicious inspiration book Aletia for a” Bacon & Chocolate” Girls Night Out. For more information about Aletia speaking topics, contact her at 770-773-5901 or email her at [email protected].

CHoCoLaTE PECaN PIEServes 8 to 105 eggs, beaten1¼ cups granulated sugar1¼ cups light corn syrup¼ cup bourbon½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted¼ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla1 cup milk chocolate or semisweet morsels1½ cups pecans, lightly toasted

1 (10-inch) deep dish pie shell, unbaked (This makes an extra big pie. The larger the pie plate the better.)

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs, sugar, syrup, butter, salt, vanilla, and bourbon. Mix well. Sprinkle chocolate morsels in the bottom of pie crust, then pecans. Pour the egg mixture over chocolate and toasted pecans. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Note: be sure to toast the pecans. It does really make the pie taste better.


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At the Y, we exist to strengthen the community. To-gether with people like you, we nurture the potential of kids, help people understand and improve their health, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. So this Christmas sea-son, give a gift that will fit every spirit, mind and body and will help your community.

YMCA of Rome and Floyd County

810 E 2nd Ave • 706-232-2468

www.ymcarome.org

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ROBERT’S WORLD By Robert SmythBy Robert Smyth

When I was growing up there were really only a couple of major holidays, and they all had their place. There was Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and the 4th of July, and

they were all about family gatherings. All the rest of the so-called minor holidays were just that — minor, with no tree, no costume, and no fireworks. Somewhere along the way the national economy got involved, and every holiday has become a free-for-all for every major store chain, local furniture store and car lot. Nothing makes me want a new living room suite like Presidents’ Day. If it’s good enough for George and Abe to sit on, it must be good enough for me.

The news media and the so called economic experts base their next year’s projections on how many Iron Man costumes got sold and how soon the Christmas shopping season can get started. And, because of all the hoopla, one of my favorite holi-days has faded from its once grand glory and been reduced to Black Friday Eve rather than what we have always known it as — Thanksgiving.

You see, short of a nice big Butterball turkey and green bean casserole fixings, Thanksgiving really does not have any major impact on the economy. Sure, maybe a couple of grocery stores do well. And I am sure the cranberry industry appreciates it, but you don’t see people giving each other flat screen TVs and iPads for Thanksgiving. The stores want it out of the way as fast as possible to get you shopping for

Christmas. I remember when you couldn’t find a store open on Thanksgiving. Woe

be to the person who needed extra sugar or butter; you had to go to a

neighbor’s house and beg. Now, it’s business as usual for a lot of

stores and restaurants. So, back to my point.

Simply put — Halloween makes money;

Christmas makes lots of money; Thanksgiving not so much.

The retailers who have now taken the driver’s seat

for the holidays are doing everything they can to move us quickly past Thanksgiving to Christmas. Thus,

there is no real Thanksgiving décor in the store, and there are “Black Friday” ads out the turkey wazoo. I think this is kind of a sad but sobering image of what our society values.

I have great memories of our house full of family and friends at Thanksgiving. Card tables set up; the smell of every type of conceivable food wafting from the kitchen; my mom’s ceramic turkey as the center piece; and, generally, everyone happy and relaxed, telling stories and laughing. Then, after you were full as a tick (a Southern saying), had loosened your pants and found a comfortable chair to doze in, here came mom and grandmother with pie and coffee. And, even though you were about to burst, you would find a place for it with a huge smile on your face. After that, they left everything on the kitchen table in case someone wanted sandwiches or extras later. (I know you were wondering — yes, I had extras later.)

If you were married and both families lived in town, then it was two great meals. Then there were the leftovers for a week…yummy. My wife’s family has a great tradition of holding hands in a circle, and everyone has to say one thing they are thankful for before the food is served. The circle seems to get a wee bit smaller every year with lives being so hectic.

Now, it seems you eat as fast as you can, grab the sale papers and iPad, retire to the war room, and figure out what store you will invade first for Black Friday so you get those amazing bargains. All thoughts of Thanksgiving are now out of your head and on Christmas, just like the retailer master minds wanted all along. Or, maybe it’s a master race of turkeys behind the whole thing just trying to cut their losses.

My wife and I tried the whole mid-night Black Friday thing last year, and I have to say I was appalled at the behavior of adults over a toy. I told my wife it was ridiculous, embar-rassing, and juvenile, and I would never do it again. No child, or anyone for that matter, needs something so bad that people are willing to cuss (another Southern saying) and fight another human being for it. All I know is a holiday which use to be about family and giving thanks for the things we have and the freedoms we enjoy has become just a speed bump to Christmas. Personally, I think it needs to be brought back to its former glory. So this year, I am laying down the law as king of my castle. We are celebrating Thanksgiving the whole day, and that is that. Well, until I fall asleep in my recliner and the family sneaks out on me to the Walmart. Robert’s Smyth’s column recently won the Gold award of the Magazine Association of the Southeast Gamma Awards, 2013 for Best Feature in the Consumer Free division.

Hey, what’s that holiday that has the turkey?


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